If you’re planning activities for your trip to Iceland, you may have already realized that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to incredible experiences.
But what more would you expect from a country that offers enchanting Northern Lights, the midnight sun, majestic glaciers, raging waterfalls, and so much more?
In this guide, however, we’re skipping some of the biggest hitters to focus on truly unique experiences that allow you to connect with the heart, soul, and kooky side of our magical island.
Many of our tips are part of our small-group day tours in Reykjavik, so they’re convenient and accessible for anyone without a vehicle.
So let’s dive into our recommendations for eight unique experiences in Iceland! And if you would like more information about anything we mention, please just get in touch.
Tour Reykjavik While Walking with a Viking Guide!
Walking tours are a fantastic way to find your bearings in a new city while learning more about its character, culture, and history.
But our Walk with a Viking Tour in Reykjavik is so much more than a city tour!
While our Viking guides will show you popular tourist attractions like Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavik Harbor, and Harpa Concert Hall, we also focus on hidden gems that you would otherwise miss, like a genuine Elf home!
We want you to feel the friendly, unique atmosphere that makes our quirky capital such a special place.
We even provide an Icelandic language lesson too!
Join the Reykjavik CatWalk for a Tour You’ll Never Fur-get!
Calling all cat lovers! This experience is purr-fect for you.
The Reykjavik CatWalk is an absolute delight for those who appreciate feline companions.
This two-hour tour of downtown Reykjavik is another great way to connect with our capital city, all while looking out for members of the cat population.
Our guides will share cat-related stories from Icelandic folklore and we visit the Reykjavik Cat Coffee House for coffee, cake, and cat cuddles!
If you’re a coffee addict, we think you’ll love our previous guide to coffee in Iceland.
We donate 10% of all profits from this tour to The Cat Protection Society and Kattholt (Cathill), its cat shelter and hotel.
Head Underground on a Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour
Beneath the surface of Iceland lies a hidden world of wonder carved out by immense natural forces.
And on a tour of Raufarhólshellir, you can experience it for yourself!
Raufarhólshellir is located 30 minutes from Reykjavik and is one of Iceland’s most impressive lava tunnels.
In fact, at 1,360 meters (4,460 ft) long, it’s the fourth longest lava tunnel in our country.
Join the Standard Lava Tunnel Tour (with a transfer to and from Reykjavik) and venture underground, where you can marvel at the mesmerizing geological formations.
Equipped with helmets and flashlights, you can take in the kaleidoscope of colors and unique rock structures that will leave you in awe of nature’s artistry.
Open a Mystical Door on a Reykjavik Folklore Tour
Iceland’s rich folklore is a tapestry woven with elves, trolls, and ghosts — and that’s just the start of it all!
The Reykjavik Folklore Tour unveils the mystical side of our culture, allowing you to delve into the enchanting tales passed down through generations.
Iceland is often called the Land of Sagas, and our masterful storytellers love showing visitors why.
From tales of wonder and amazement to dark stories that will chill your soul, this tour gets off the beaten path to take a deeper dive into Iceland’s culture and heritage.
Keep your eyes peeled; you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive “Huldufólk” (hidden people) as you explore the places they are said to frequent.
Connect with the City and Nature on a Reykjavik City Walk and Puffin Tour
On our Reykjavik City Walk and Puffin Tour, you can indulge in two fun and fascinating pastimes: people and puffin watching!
The walking section of this tour is the same as the Walk with a Viking Tour in Reykjavik, so it’s the perfect way for a visitor to discover our unique capital city.
For the puffin-watching tour, you board a comfortable boat in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour before sailing out to Akurey, a puffin island around 15 minutes from shore.
And it’s here that you can spot our cute and iconic puffins!
With their distinctive colorful beaks and adorable waddling, puffins are a delight to watch.
Bring your camera along, as this is a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss!
The Reykjavik Food Lovers’ Tour is Perfect for Adventurous Foodies
Calling all foodies! Prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic adventure through Reykjavik’s culinary scene.
The Reykjavik Food Lovers’ Tour takes you on a delectable journey, introducing you to at least 10 traditional Icelandic foods.
We have handpicked the eateries we visit to ensure you can tick off many of the items on your Icelandic food bucket list.
And because we eat traditional foods, this tour also naturally ventures into Iceland’s history, heritage, and culture too.
We can adapt tours to suit preferences and dietary requirements. Read our guide to gluten-free options in Reykjavik for an introduction to our varied food scene.
Just make sure you arrive hungry!
Taste Some Fine Tipples on a Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour
Raise your glass and cheers to the Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour!
Iceland’s craft beer scene has been booming in recent years, and this tour is your passport to explore its hoppy wonders.
On this excursion, you can taste 10 Icelandic craft beers brewed all around the country.
Or if you like your drinks a little stronger, you can opt for five snaps. These are fiery shots of alcohol that Icelanders often drink with meals or on special occasions.
On this tour, you will visit three of Reykjavik’s best bars. Each spot is only a short distance away from the others, so there’s minimal walking!
From start to finish, a knowledgeable local guide will inform and entertain you. And you will even learn about the odd history of alcohol in Iceland!
Please note, the minimum legal drinking age in Iceland is 20 years old.
Take a Rejuvenating Soak in One of Iceland’s Geothermal Pools
After a day of exploring, there’s no better way to unwind than by soaking in one of Iceland’s geothermal pools.
Locals have cherished these natural hot springs for centuries due to their therapeutic properties and relaxation benefits.
Head to one of the many geothermal pools scattered in and around Reykjavik, such as the famous Blue Lagoon (a 45-minute drive from the city) or the local favorite, Laugardalslaug.
As you immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by a backdrop of stunning landscapes, you’ll understand why this is a quintessential Icelandic experience.
Browse our range of tours to geothermal pools in Iceland to find the perfect trip for you.
Build Your Dream Trip with Our Day and Multi-Day Tours in Iceland
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of unique experiences in Iceland. And we’ve barely scratched the surface of all the amazing things to see and do here.
To discover even more, browse our range of Iceland day tours and multi-day tours in Iceland.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about our adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice.
